2026 World Paratriathlon Championships: Alexis Hanquinquant, Camille Sénéclauze and Jules Ribstein strike gold in Pontevedra

France’s triathlon delegation opened its medal account in Pontevedra, Spain, at the 2026 World Championships. The tally now stands at eight thanks to a superb performance from the French paratriathlon team on Friday morning, with all races held over the sprint distance. The icing on the cake: three of those medals were gold, won by Alexis Hanquinquant (PTS4), Camille Sénéclauze (PTS4) and Jules Ribstein (PTS2).

Antoine Perel had to fight hard to claim a fifth consecutive world medal. The Triathlon Club d’Hazebrouck athlete, racing with his trusted guide Yohan Le Berre, finally managed to edge out Australia’s Sam Harding for third place. Guided by Cenzino Lebot, Thibaut Rigaudeau crossed the finish line in fifth. Victory went to the clear favourite, Britain’s Dave Ellis, who claimed his seventh title.

© World Triathlon

Austria took a one-two in this category, with Thomas Frühwirth finishing ahead of Florian Brungraber. Bronze medallist at the European Championships, France’s Joseph Fritsch secured the same result on the world stage, despite some mechanical issues in the final discipline. It was a superb performance from the Strasbourg athlete, making his first appearance at a World Championship. The Alsatian finished just over a minute ahead of compatriot Louis Noël, who produced a very strong finish. 

Alexis Hanquinquant added another world title to his collection, which now numbers nine. It was not as straightforward as usual for the Rouen native, who had to stay alert all the way to the finish to hold off Spain’s Nils Riudavets Victory , fuelled by the support of the home crowd.

© World Triathlon

© World Triathlon

© World Triathlon

© World Triathlon

A fine bronze medal went to last-minute selection Pierre-Antoine Baele, who finished just behind the Spaniard. The third French starter, Antoine Lamarche Poulain, who experienced some mechanical trouble on the bike, finished just off the podium.

I’m very happy to claim a ninth world title. The season’s goal has been achieved. But it was less straightforward than usual. I’m a little tired at the end of the season. I can’t wait to analyse the splits and see where I lost ground. And the young guys are coming through behind me. Next year, the goal will be to win a tenth world title in Hamburg, which is crucial for qualifying for the Los Angeles Paralympic Games, where I fully intend to shine once again.

In the women’s race, defending French champion Camille Sénéclauze made it two titles in a row in Pontevedra. She finished ahead of compatriot Zoé Réveillon, who impressed on her world-championship debut. 

© World Triathlon

France’s Jules Ribstein lived up to his favourite status by claiming a sixth world crown, making the difference on the run to overcome the tenacious American Mohamed Lahna. 

© FFTRI/Nicolas Acloque

France’s Cédric Denuzière, who received a 10-second penalty, had to settle for fifth. 

In the women’s race, six-time French world champion Élise Marc found herself beaten this year by Italy’s Serena Banzato. She finished second, claiming her tenth world medal.